Rush Limbaugh's day off

March 3, 2009 - Jim Anderson

Rush Limbaugh is taking some deserved ridicule for saying he wants President Obama’s policies to fail.

In terms of strategy, however, the controversial broadcaster is taking few risks in rooting against the president. Limbaugh knows he has a core following that will keep him prominent and wealthy. Scorn is sometimes just the cost of being Rush.

And, frankly, there’s no way Obama could ever do enough to quiet him. In reality, it’s the president who must be a risk-taker. Bold action on the economy, health care and energy is necessary, but any reforms will leave openings for nay-sayers.

And then there’s Iraq, Afghanistan and the bank bailout — all fraught with political landmines on both the left and the right. The Obama presidency could be overwhelmed by any one of them.

Limbaugh, meanwhile, can offer up the red meat of tax cuts/austerity to his constituency and look to see where Obama comes up short.

Compared to carrying water for Bush/Cheney, that’s almost a sea cruise.